Fitbit Versa water damage

[Natz0808]

So I have had my Fitbit Versa since June 2018 and I've done absolutely everything with it from showering  to swimming in the ocean. Everything was fine until yesterday. I went swimming and it seemed the battery died during my swim, which is normal since I forget to charge it at times, I dried it off and plugged it in to charge, it wouldn't turn on for a few hours. After a few hours it turned on but would only stay on while plugged into its charging point. If I took it out of the charger,  the fitbit logo appears and I can't do anything with it .Also the battery is jumping from 99% to 26% and back. What should I do?

Moderator edit: subject for clarity 

[Niecy17]

Looks like it wasn't water resistant enough. It should have been, according to the website. 

https://www.fitbit.com/productcare

https://youtu.be/JnqKU-y01hk

Keep It Dry

• While Fitbit devices are water resistant*, it’s not good for your skin to wear a wet band for long periods of time.
• If your elastomer band gets wet—like after sweating or showering—rinse and dry it thoroughly before putting it back on your wrist.
• Be sure your skin is dry before you put your band back on.
• Fitbit products are made to be water resistant. Fitbit Charge 3, Flex 2, Ionic and Versa can be worn in the lake, the pool or the ocean, and Fitbit Ace can be worn in the shower. Still, it’s important to thoroughly dry your elastomer band and tracker and remove any debris from your device after wear in the water to avoid skin irritation. Please note that non-elastomer accessories should not be worn in water.
• To minimize damage to your tracker or watch, avoid any direct contact of sunscreen or insect repellant sprays with your tracker or watch. Remove your tracker while applying these sprays. 

[SelmaFitbit]

Hi @Natz0808! Welcome to the Community Forums. 

Thanks your your input @Niecy17.

I've got in contact with our support team and they were able to confirm they've assisted you with this. If you need any additional support or have any other questions, don't hesitate to contact us back. 

See you around. 

[Jessydjack]

I swim/shower with my versa and dry my wrist and band after. Will I took it off white washing my hair it was on bathroom table I picked it up and the steam made it little wet I dried it and set it on charger. Now I cant get it to turn on any ideas what i can do. Thanks Appreciate 

[Niecy17]

Return it. It isn't made as advertised.🤔 I never wet mine even though it's
a Special edition for fear of this same outcome. Spring is here and summer
is coming, people will be swimming with these units. 🏄 I'm watching the
posts. 👀

[AlvaroFitbit]

@Jessydjack A warm welcome to our Community!

I will gladly assist you with this and sorry for the late response. Please try restarting your device by following these instructions.

@Niecy17 you should be able to swim with your Versa. If anything happens remember that it is covered by Fitbit's warranty that you can check here. Many members do swim frequently with their Versa's and haven't had any issues with it.

Keep me posted.

[DM13]

Hi Natz0808

Can you tell me if you were able to do anything to resolve your water damage issue without having to replace your Fitbit?

I've had my mine since last April and the same thing happened to me about 2 weeks ago. I thought it was my battery as well but upon further inspection, I could see moisture build up in the back. I've had mine sitting in rice for about a week now and it still doesn't work. Unfortunately as I purchased it over a year ago it isn't covered under warranty. This is my 4th Fitbit and I've always been impressed with the quality until now. I actually waited and waited for the release date of the Versa specifically because of the waterproof feature. And, I just purchased a Versa for my husband for Father's Day so I'm hoping it doesn't happen with his.

I'm super disappointed and hesitant about purchasing a new one if I will have to keep replacing it every 14 months (just after my warranty runs out) so any hints you have would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[Natz0808]

Hello

Sadly there was no way of fixing it. But I reported it to Fitbit and they sent me a new watch. Maybe try your luck!

Natalia

Get Outlook for Android

[AimKol]

This exact same thing happened to me.  13 months into owning it.  Swam with it for a year in the pool, in several oceans, lake, etc.  Then during my lap swim on Sunday it was fried.  There is water inside, I can see it.  Of course, its outside warranty.  They offered me a 25% discount on another one.  I said no, thats a joke and not worth it.  I will buy another one if you give me 50%.  They offered me 40%.  Im debating if I even want to spend that. 

[DM13]

I was offered the 25% as well, but I am quite hesitant in purchasing a new one if I have to keep replacing it. It's just so disappointing that it's water damage that did it in so to speak.

I have several friends that own Apple watches and have been trying to convince me to get one. I kept telling them I liked my Versa better, until this happened. But at this point I'm thinking if I'm going to spend the money,  I might consider the Apple Watch, they have owned theirs for much longer with zero issues. 

I'm really torn because I have been a loyal fan of Fitbit for years but this has just left me so disappointed. I don't expect a replacement after 14 months, but I also don't want to keep having to replace it, just outside the warranty every time either. After quite a bit of reading, I'm seeing that the moisture damage seems to be a fairly big issue in the Versa. Might have to keep doing some more research for a good "swimproof" tracker that holds up.

[AimKol]

I went ahead and replaced it for 40% off. I plan to swim with it A LOT
immediately to test it hard. Id do the apple watch too except I
haaaaaaaate the iPhone.
I agree, disappointed and dont have much faith in Fitbit anymore. This
will be my last try with them. Good luck with your apple watch!

[1GR3]

Mine got damaged after 10 minutes of getting into the see swimming for a minute and getting back. The button went crazy, and then died, leaving the device in "Music Controls/Wake Up menu". So I went for another swim with it and now it’s completely dead.

I've expected more from a device that cost 5-6 times more than the competition with the same specs.

[Judyseyes]

Hi DM13, I have the same issue.  Right now my versa is sitting in rice trying to soak up condensation.  Mine is 14 months old, so they offered me 25%, no way.  There are listings for fitbit Versa, no band, no charger, on Ebay for $70.  I'm thinking of going that route.  Just can't spend $160 for a replacement.

[AimKol]

Argue with them. They increased their offer to 40% off when I did. I went
ahead and got another one, swam yesterday and so far it's fine but this
will be my last Fitbit if it happened again. I ALMOST replaced it with a
Polar watch that had excellent reviews. To not stand behind your product
after only 13 or 14 months of normal use is discraceful.

[Judyseyes]

I totally agree it is disgraceful!  Thanks so much for your reply.  I'm going to try for 40% deal.

My third phone call to Fitbit was rewarded with a replacement Versa at a 40% discount and free shipping.

No longer will I wear my Versa in Pool, Shower, or anywhere near water.  If this happens again at 14 months, I'm moving on.

Moderator edit: merged reply

[DM13]

I'll have to check out EBay, thanks for letting me know. I'm willing to give another Fitbit one more try at this point but not feeling super confident in the product anymore.

By the way, I left mine in rice for 2 weeks and it didn't seem to make any difference at all but I'm hoping you will have better luck.

[MaryChat]

I bought my first versa specifically for its water resistance in June. One jump into a pool in July and it was dead. Customer service promptly replaced it. The replacement lasted until this morning. I’ve been in a pool exactly once for lap swim. It’s dead. I opted for the discount customer service offered and will try the Ionic. Hoping for better results. 

[SunsetRunner]

Same thing has just happend to mine , was urs ok 

[MaryChat]

Nope. I had to get a replacement and it is the second time I have had to get a replacement.

[SunshineM]

My Versa just got waterlogged over this holiday weekend. I have always worn it swimming and no issues and all of a sudden the battery died and would not turn on. I called FitBit and of course, the warranty ended in June. Has anyone gotten resolution?